Of all the books I have ever read, there is only one that is the lighthouse on my life. The Holy Bible. If you're paying attention, you'll see that a lot of the things that we hear and see were written first in those pages.
As entrepreneurs, self-development is a MUST. We cannot grow, and go where we are supposed to do so without soaking up all of the good there is out there. As a Christian, and an entrepreneur, I knew that there would be useful information in the Word. But, the depth of that was unknown to me until I started to diligently study the Bible as part of my self-development journey. I am incredibly grateful to the leaders who have suggested that we add bible study to our reading lists.
When I read the bible, I try to absorb it in much the same manner as any self-help book, but instead of doing exercises after each chapter, I meditate on what I have read, and pray. I pray for clarity and guidance on the words and to find the truth of what He wants me to know, not simply what I am wanting to know.
I make no claims of being a bible scholar or an expert. I haven't even read all of it yet. But, I am learning, and working toward finding meaning in the text. Through that, I have found a number of verses that spoke directly to me as an entrepreneur. Here, I will share 8 of them and what they mean to me.
Romans 8:28 NKJV
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
To me, this means:
If you are living life within your true calling, (many entrepreneurs are) know that there is purpose to the things that you are doing. There are people you will meet and help who need you. God has placed you in the situation you are in for a reason. - Have faith that this will happen, and you will see the truth of it in time.
Colossians 3:23-24 NKJV
And whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
To me, this means:
No matter what it is that you do, you are using the gifts that the Lord gave you. If you are putting your talents to use, you are proving to God that you love and worship Him. In doing so, you will be rewarded. Keep using your unique gifts and talents - He sees you, and will continue to bless you for your efforts. Do not be concerned with what people have to say about what it is that you do, or how you do it. He will help you to find a way using what He gave you.
Habakkuk 2:2 NKJV
Then the Lord answered me and said; Write your vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.
To me, this means:
In our business, dreams and goals are constantly being chased. Most of us have "vision boards" either in physical or digital forms. We are actively encouraged to write down our ultimate dreams for our lives and to consistently focus on them as an inducement to continue producing results. Obviously, this verse would speak to me for that reason. But, it is by far one of my favorites of all time. I've even sent it to people who I felt needed to read it.
The verse continues to essentially say that the words we write of our vision will remain on the paper for a period of time, and eventually, when the timing is right will come to pass.
With that said, I encourage you to write down the visions that you have for your life. Plan out, step-by-step what you'll do to achieve them as well. And most of all, be patient. With discipline and consistency, what you have envisioned will occur - when you are finally ready for it to happen. Don't be discouraged if it takes longer than you want it to, you are being prepared for what is to come.
Galatians 6:9 NIV
And, let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap the harvest if we do not give up.
To me, this means:
This verse is another particular favorite, and I believe it ties into the last one perfectly. Even when things get tough, we need to remember to just keep going. Especially if we are doing good works. What we are waiting for will come to pass if we persist. But, those events will never happen if we give up.
Proverbs 4:25-27 NIV
Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn right or left; keep your foot from evil.
To me, this means:
Stay focused on where you are going. Others have come before you, and they know the path that you should take. Do not be swayed by those in your life, or even strangers, who will seek to distract you from your destination. Whether they do so knowingly or not.
Proverbs 12:24 NKJV
The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy man will be put to forced labor.
To me, this means:
This verse can be most easily summed up in a quote that I have heard many times from several of my mentors in business. "Build your dreams, or someone else will pay you to build theirs." Make no mistake, a salary is what you are paid to give up on your own future.
Proverbs is one book of the Bible that is chock full of great verses for us entrepreneurial types, and even those of us who aren't. I highly recommend reading a chapter of Proverbs daily.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NKJV
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
To me, this means:
These two verses are all about partnership. It is a known fact in business that partnership is the only "shortcut" to success. Surround yourself with partners and teammates who will be there for you no matter what. People who have the same vision as yourself, people who are doing the same, or similar things as you are and are going where you are going. These are the people who will have your back when things get tough. These are the people who will be able to pick up the pieces when you cannot go on alone. It's often said that "two heads are better than one." But what about two sets of hands? - Do you have partners willing to help you when you need it?
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.
To me, this means:
Did you think you'd make it through this post without seeing Jeremiah 29:11? This is a particular favorite verse of most Christians. *Fun Fact: It's always been my personal favorite - even LONG before I knew entrepreneurship even existed.* And there is a distinct reason as to why it's so often quoted.
We have no way of knowing what is to come, but we do know that He knows, and all that he has planned for us is for us to learn in time. Faith in that fact, is the core of what this verse is trying to tell. He knows where you are going, breathe and let it happen.
Thank you so much for your time in reading this! There is so much more I could write on this topic, and I hope that my insights have been of use to you! If you feel so called, answer the poll below on whether I should make this post into a multi-part series.
I encourage you to take my interpretations as simply that - my own interpretations. Read the verses yourself, and consider what knowledge He wants you to learn from the same words as above.
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